Some words of wisdom from Naomi Wolf
by Louise Livesey // 16 October 2008, 10:44
Despite controversy Wolf hits the nail on the head with some of this. Her advice to young women (written in 1992)?
1. Redefine what being a woman means.
2. Break the taboo around being self-sufficient including in terms of asking for just compensation for your work. And then give money to women's causes.
3. Never cook for or sleep with anyone who routinely puts you down.
4. Become a goddess of disobedience - don't be afriad of confrontation, don't back down in conflict because it's "unfeminine".
Have Your say
To comment, you must be registered with The F-Word, or login using Facebook or Twitter. Not a member? Register
Founder of The F-Word, Catherine Redfern, has co-authored a new book with Kristin Aune. Find out more at the 
maggie // Posted 15 October 2008 at 12:34
Wise words indeed.
I've always been a 'godess of disobedience'.
Shea // Posted 15 October 2008 at 16:34
Good list. I'd add:
1) Understand that success is personal to you, create your own definition of it and realise it doesn't always come in a suit (thanks Ruth).
2) Discover what makes you happy and interests you and pursue those interests. Put them before a relationship, however serious you think it is.
3) Make your own money, however little of it and always keep it separate. Have your own bank account and avoid at all costs having a joint one. Always, always have some "kiss ass" money. That is, you have enough money that should a job or relationship become horrible you have the money to walk away and tell your boss or partner to do just that.
4) Have the courage to walk away from a situation that makes you unhappy and a partner who doesn't deserve you.
Ruth // Posted 15 October 2008 at 19:07
Shea,
my late mother-in-law, (born in 1914 and an Oxford graduate) used to maintain one should have a separate account for oneself AND a joint one (useful for writing large household checks in the absence of the other party)! OTOH, her son has always been of the "what's mine is ours" brigade, whether I was able to earn or not, so I know I'm lucky.
Stephanie // Posted 16 October 2008 at 22:28
Thankyou for posting this!